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The EC Directive on Batteries and Accumulators (2006/66/EC)
was published on 26 September 2006. It aims to minimise the impact of
batteries on the environment and encourage the recovery of the materials
they contain.
The Battery Directive, which affects battery
producers and retailers, has been transposed into UK law through
two new statutory instruments:
- The Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market)
Regulations 2008
- The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009
The new directive covers all batteries regardless
of shape, volume, weight, material composition or use. Batteries used
specifically for military applications or in equipment designed to be
sent into space are excluded from the scope of the directive.
The UK currently collects less than 3% of used portable
batteries for recycling, but recycles approx 90% of spent automotive
and industrial lead-acid batteries. Therefore, the main focus for improvement
in the UK will be to improve the collection and recycling rates of domestic
portable batteries.
If you want to find out more about the Batteries
Directive, or if you think your organisation might be affected by these
regulations, visit the:
Valpak Limited website.
Further information on batteries and recycling can
be found on the British
Battery Manufacturers Association website and at
www.rebat.com
Use the following links to find:
battery recycling symbols
battery facts
useful links
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